About

Welcome

Born in 1986 in the Midlands of England, I am, have been and always will be a lover of rich lore, fascinating stories and colourful, if somewhat occasionally devious, characters. Whether in book, film, television or gaming form, the tales told over numerous mediums of entertainment have inspired a consumer of fantasy and a writer of fiction. I have spent a vast sum of my time contemplating the crafting of epic worlds and how best to bring them and the characters within them to life to fulfil my creative designs.

Here, in my own little candlelit corner of the web, I will bring to you several of my stories and a plethora of lore from the world of Ayl’gard. It is a realm of fantasy fiction that I have been steadily working on since I wrote my first character all the way back in 2012 and through my work, I hope to be able to show you some of the fragments that were forged from my reverie, hence the title of the site.

I may also muse and write about other subjects from time to time like what it was or is that makes me do what I do, an appreciation for the works of others and sometimes even the weather. No true denizen of England can exist for too long without mentioning the wet stuff that drizzles out of the sky after all.

Some of the images here on this site have been included with the kind permission of Anthony Nicholas who retains full ownership and rights to them. You can see some of his fine work on Instagram via the username Niclus21.

So folks, pull up a chair, light a candle or two of your own (you know, for ambience) and please enjoy.

The Boring Stuff

The information contained on this site is intended solely to promote my work as a writer and as a means of entertainment. All opinions and comments made by myself (Stuart McEwan) are my own and are not representative of any other persons or entity. I reserve the right to alter my statements and opinions regarding any material that is published. I also reserve the right to alter and make amendments to any of my stories, locations or characters.

All stories, locations and characters written by the author are works of fiction and are not representative of any real life circumstances, locations or persons living or dead. Any similarity to the above is purely coincidental.

Unauthorised use and/or duplication of any original written material without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used providing clear credit is given to Stuart McEwan, with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

All images contained on this site are either of my own taking/creation, are within the public domain or have been authorised to appear via the express permission of the creator/photographer.

The author is not responsible for what other people upload to other websites that are linked to this site. If you have any issues please contact the appropriate owners/hosts. All trademarks, trade names, service marks, images, copyrighted work, logos etc associated with this content belong to their respective owners/companies.

Any emotion and subsequent reactions derived from reading my work, such as joy, laughter or sorrow (because of the feels!) is thoroughly intended and appreciated. It’s okay, feelings are good. Enjoy them.

I’ve been a lurker on your site for a while, haha, and I am here to not-so-formally introduce myself because I’m not so important as to have a caller to do so for me (I will attain noble status soon, I think. I’m still trying to figure out the whole “how to become relevant” affair. All I know from the many books and things I’ve read is that it’s a long and arduous process.) Anywho, I always look forward to reading your posts, even if I may not always leave comments telling you so. I hope to read more in the future, and thank you for stopping by my blog! It’s an honor.

P.S. Do you happen to have any books available that I can get my hands on?

What is this nonsense that you do not have an announcer to proclaim your arrival! We must see to this absurdity at once, haha! I’ll be sure to send round my most accomplished trumpeter.

As for your relevance. Mr Rinth, every time you sit down to write a single word your efforts are of great relevance. The mere fact that you are taking the time to work on your craft to provide us with something to read and revel in is to be commended. I have enjoyed much of what you have created ever since I clicked that ‘Follow’ icon and will continue to look forward to your works. Overall though, relevance is subjective to each individual. Worry only about what you intend to do and don’t compare your relevance to that which others have seemingly obtained. Be your own benchmark for what you deem to be relevant and you will never fail.

Regarding your attention to my work. I have often noticed your presence here at the Forge, many times in fact. Each time you stop by to interact with anything I do, well, it is greatly appreciated. Thank you, sincerely.

Now to the question of books. If you’re asking about whether or not I have published any books yet, I am afraid that I have not. My material here is a long standing project that I will continue to expand gradually in regards to my works of fiction. If this ever develops into something more ‘bookish’, you will be amongst the first to know. Thank you for at least acknowledging the possibility anyway.

A trumpeter? Truly? Why, I’d be honored. Will he announce my name and house like the rest of those fine gentlemen I see parading around with their silk ties and fancy kerchiefs? OH! I need a title. I’ll inform your trumpeter at once. And a carriage, too, I think. I can’t spend energy on walking! That would be much too… peasant!

“Be your own benchmark.” Thank you for those words, and your advice and sincerity regarding my own relevance warms my heart. I can’t express my gratitude well enough. And I’m happy you’ve noticed me and my lurking capabilities—it makes this whole introduction so much easier. (I’m not a stalker, I swear, haha. It’s just all these candles I’ve lit for ambience as you’ve suggested are starting to give me a rather menacing appearance.)

Oh, please do inform me if you happen to release any books! I would love to see you get your thoughts and stories into print, but for now, I’ll content myself with the ramblings here.

Best to you, Stuart. I’ll be waiting for word on that trumpeter. (I do hope he has a wig.)

Hello Nicholas and Stuart,
I often like to read comments, given that the contents and interactions there could go far beyond the purviews of the post. Both of your comments show considerable sensitivity and empathy, which I appreciate and identify in good amount.

I meant to also reply to Nicholas, and so please allow me to repeat my earlier comment here as follows:

Hello Nicholas and Stuart,
I often like to read comments, given that the contents and interactions there could go far beyond the purviews of the post. Both of your comments show considerable sensitivity and empathy, which I appreciate and identify in good amount.